“All About the Kitchen”

If your anything like me and on the move every few years, its sometimes necessary to get creative in terms of decorating your kitchen. As military families we are often limited to the changes we are allowed to make while renting (so I have learned how to think outside the box). You can transform a ranch style house into a cape cod theme, if you make the right decisions in terms of decorating. (Photo from Pinterest)

We all have our wish lists for our “forever” homes when we finally settle down in once place (for more than 2 seconds lol). Mine includes butcher block countertops, shiplap walls, a farmhouse sink, and the list goes on and on (for me anyways). I even have a “Forever Home” board on my Pinterest (So my husband knows my expectations no matter how unrealistic he may think they are…a girl can wish can’t she?) So until then (for those of you in the same boat as me) here are some tips to brighten and lighten up your kitchen space in the meantime.

It’s funny how making a few key changes can completely revamp your kitchen space. For my family the kitchen is the “heart” of our home. The kitchen is where we come together and share stories about our day (if for only a few minutes) each night. For me a kitchen should be a comfortable and happy place, and somewhere you can have fun making memories (and a mess).

The first thing I do when we move into a new home is put up some kind of window decor. Whether that be a window shade, curtains, or a valance. This is a great place to use a pop of color or to express your particular style. The patterns and fabric choices are endless. You want to maximize your light in your kitchen and allow for as much natural light as possible. It can really open up your whole room.

(Photo from BHG.com)

Paint you cabinets…..(if you are allowed). For the most part when you rent the landlords are all about improvements especially if they increase the value of the home (sorry for those of you in base housing, this probably isn’t an option). I love white cabinets (however this look is not for everyone) this is where you can be creative and go with two tone cabinets and switch things up. You can paint your upper cabinets a different color then your bottom cabinets. This gives the whole kitchen character and you will love the end result. Even going with one main color for all cabinets is a much needed facelift for most kitchens.

Lighting can make or break your kitchen. I say the bigger the better (in terms of light fixtures) you will want something that will allow you to brighten up the entire room. Update outdated light fixtures and you will be amazed with how much it can change your view on the space.

I am all for tile or back splash when revamping a kitchen. It is decorative and well plain and simply…gorgeous. You have so many choices in this area in terms of styles and colors. You can go with something simple with a farmhouse feel, or be super creative and throw in some color. Subway tiles are one of my favorite choices and offer a different look then a more traditional back splash.

You may or may not have a kitchen island in your home. If you don’t have one but have the space to add one this is where it gets fun! You can make or have a custom island made (to match your lower cabinets) which will may everything look cohesive. If you don’t have the space for a huge island there are tons of options such as a rolling cart or and old antique piece you can up-cycle into an island.

Seating is key to adding character. You can have fun and add in different chairs mix and match for your dining table or your bar stool area for your island. You want cute but don’t forget comfort as well. I love adding vintage chairs (you can paint any color to fit your decorating theme). You can also recover any fabric that may need a new look. (Photo Pinterest)

What would a kitchen be without a little shiplap. Now you may not be able to go all out and do the entire room, but maybe you can swing an accent wall? Even having just a little will help you scream farmhouse.

Last but not least one of my favorite changes that can be made is changing out a typical pantry door, with an old antique door or even a glass pantry door (sold at Lowes and Home Depot). This helps you add charm and stay organized all at once (you don’t want a messy pantry for your guest to see..win-win).

Long story short is just be creative…think outside the box make the changes you can make even if they are temporary changes). Even the simplest of changes can transform and entire room for the better. Happy hunting for those perfect accents and most of all have fun decorating.